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Prospective Member Guide

BE PART OF THE ACTION!

"TEAM COAST GUARD"

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 5th District, Southern Region

Division 20, Flotilla 04

New Bern, NC 28560

As of: January 2021

USCG Auxiliary Prospective Member Guide

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Table of Contents

Overview....................................................................................3

Flotilla 20-04 Meeting Times and Location ......................................4

Requirements for Membership ......................................................5

What is the Auxiliary?...................................................................6

What Members Can Expect from the Auxiliary .................................8 What the Auxiliary Expects from Members.......................................8

What Members Can Do While In AP (Approval Pending) Status ………… 9

Every Member is Expected to Participate in Some Program ............. 10

Relationship of Programs and Qualifications .................................. 11

Organization of the Flotilla .......................................................... 13

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Dear Prospective USCG Auxiliarist Member;

My name is Karl Mielenhausen, and I am the Flotilla Commander for Flotilla 20-04, District

5, Southern Region. Thank you for your interest in joining the United States Coast Guard

Auxiliary (USCGAUX), the largest volunteer marine safety organization in the world. It is our

hope that this Guide, will help you become familiar with who we are and what we do. Please

take the time to read this information and consider what the “commitment of membership”

means to you. If you feel that the Auxiliary is an organization that you want to be a part of,

we will assist you in becoming an active and productive member.

Please understand however, we are NOT a Yacht Club. We are a service organization

composed of volunteers with an emphasis on active duty and support to the many and

varied U.S. Coast Guard missions in which we participate. Keep in mind that although we

want you to become a dedicated member, we understand that you will need to juggle your

personal commitments to family, friends, home, work, and community; therefore, we allow

you to proceed at your own pace and will work with you according to your availability.

The packet I will provide you has all the information, forms and study materials you will

need to prepare your application and take the New Member examination; if you have any

questions or need assistance, please contact me. At the end of this document you will find a

list of USCG and USCG Auxiliary web sites that you will find useful in providing information

you will need when you become a member of the Auxiliary.

The basic steps for membership are as follows:

1. Learn about the Auxiliary, what we offer, and what you want to contribute

2. Complete the new member application, forms, and indoctrination process (including a

personal security investigation, i.e., background check).

3. Study, take, and pass the Auxiliary New Member Course/Exam (via online, self-study,

mentored, or in an instructor-led class).

4. Provide documentation that you have passed a boating safety class or attend, study, and

pass a safety boating class/exam (online or via an instructor-led class).

Costs associated with Auxiliary membership: Member’s dues are $70 annually. Uniforms will

cost you approximately $150-$250. Out of pocket costs and mileage associated with your

work with the Auxiliary are tax deductible.

If you have any questions whatsoever, please feel free to contact me at the numbers/email

shown below. Thank you again for considering membership in the USCG Auxiliary. I look

forward to hearing from you again.

Semper Paratus,

Karl Mielenhausen Flotilla Commander (FC)

Division 20, Flotilla 04 (20-04), New Bern, NC

5th District, Southern Region (5SR)

Home: 252-638-1433; Cell: 252-649-4978

Email: kmielen@gmail.com

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Flotilla 20-04 Meeting Times and Location

Flotilla 20-04 meetings are every first Thursday of the month. Meetings start at 7:00 PM

(1900 military time), but someone is usually there by 1830.

Our flotilla usually meets at Parish Hall of Christ Episcopal Church, New Bern; see image

below. Use the entrance facing 311 Middle Street. It is a good idea to verify the location

ahead of time and let one of us know to expect you.

Call or email the Flotilla Human Resources Officer, Bud McClard at (603) 493-6984; email:

harrymcclard@live.com.

NOTE THAT IN-PERSON MEETINGS ARE TEMPORARILY CANCELLED DUE TO COVID.

CONTACT US FOR INFO ON CONNECTING TO OUR VIRTUAL MEETINGS.

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Requirements for Membership

There are two basic requirements for membership; (1) You must be a US citizen, and (2)

you must be at least 17 years old. In addition to meeting the basic requirements for

membership, there are other steps that you will need to complete on your way to becoming

a full and active member.

First, learn what you can about the Auxiliary.

Check out the visitors and members pages at http://cgaux.org/about.php

Check out the USCG Auxiliary History page at https://join.cgaux.org/history

New Member Information: http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=H-

DEPT&category=new-members

Second, you must pass an entrance exam (not difficult) that covers the basics of the

Auxiliary and how we function as an organization. The FSO-HR will go over each of these

with you and you can take a look at each by clicking on the links provided below.

A good source to prepare for the exam is the New Member Study Guide:

http://hdept.cgaux.org/pdf/New%20Member%20Packet/NewMemberStudentStudy.pdf

Third, complete the Enrollment Application. The FSO-HR will assist you with this form;

you can go to the PDF Forms site (http://forms.cgaux.org/forms1.php), scroll down to the

7001-Enrollment Application form and click on the Adobe Acrobat symbol on the right side

of the screen; print the form out and you can hand write the information required. We will

type this information on the form and submit it with your application packet.

Finally, you will need to pass a background investigation. All members of the Auxiliary

must undergo a Personal Security Investigation (PSI). Your enrollment application is an

agreement to undergo a Personal Security Investigation. An unfavorable PSI determination

may result in your disenrollment despite any training, duties, and activities you may have

already performed, or any investments of time, effort, and resources you may have

expended while awaiting your PSI determination.

New Member Training (AFTER receiving your ID #):

1/ The Basic Qualification Course (BQII) introduces the member to the Auxiliary Manual

(AUXMAN) in 7 student study guide modules. Each module covers one or two chapters of

the AUXMAN but with a major reduction in the reading required. The modules are stand

alone and can be taken in any order. At the conclusion of each Module, the member takes

an exam located on the National Testing Center (NTC) website. Passing the open book exam

with at least 90% is recorded in AUXDATA for your permanent record. The BQII Course link

can be found on the Training Directorate website. Go to the National Website at CGAUX.org,

then go to the Directorate pull down menu and select “Training”. In the left hand column,

you will see the link to “Basic Qual II Course”. The BQC II material is also available by direct

link at: http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=T-DEPT&category=basic-qualification

2/ Core Training (AUXCT) consists of five courses (available on-line or in the classroom

setting). More details may be found at http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=T-

DEPT&category=core-training

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What is the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary?

The Auxiliary is a volunteer organization. Membership is open to any citizen of the United

States and its territories and possessions who is 17 years of age or older. A Personnel

Security Investigation (PSI) will be processed as part of enrollment and must have a

favorable determination to complete one’s membership in the Auxiliary. Facility (radio

station, boat, or aircraft) ownership and special skills are desirable but not mandatory.

Auxiliary membership is also available to all current active duty now serving and to former

members of any uniformed services and their Reserve components, to include the Coast

Guard.

What the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is not!

The USCG Auxiliary is not part of the military. The USCG Auxiliary is not a law-enforcement

organization. You cannot be “called up” or “required to serve” in any manner. We are

strictly an organization of volunteers and as such you cannot be compelled to do anything

you do not desire to do. The various programs and missions are described in this guide.

As volunteers, our personal lives can change overnight affecting our commitments and

participation in Auxiliary programs. That’s OK. You can always take up where you left off

later or begin on another path. You have the rest of your life to achieve your Auxiliary goals.

Should I Join the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary?

People join the Auxiliary for many reasons and they do not all involve boats. You do not

need to own a boat to be a member and you do not need to serve on boats to participate

fully. As you will discover, the Auxiliary programs and missions are broad and varied. We

want you to stay with us for a long time (some members have served 50 years in the

Auxiliary). The secret to longevity in the Auxiliary is to do what you love to do, commit only

the time that your schedule and current situation will comfortably allow, and don’t try to

accomplish everything at once. Remember this: ALL of the Auxiliary program opportunities

and mission alternatives will still be available to you in the future.

How Do I Become a Member of the Auxiliary?

Call or email the Flotilla Human Resources Officer, Bud McClard at (603) 493-6984; email:

harrymcclard@live.com. He will explain the application process and arrange a time to meet

with you. At this meeting Bud will provide you with an application packet and walk you

through the entire application process; he will also assist you with filling out the forms. Bud

serves as you initial Sponsor until you are approved for enrollment at which time you will be

assigned a Flotilla “Buddy” to assist with your orientation and integration into our Flotilla.

What Happens When I Join the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary?

Membership begins with the New Member training program. This program explains the

Auxiliary and its functions, and assists you in getting started.

You will be assigned both a Sponsor and a Mentor during your initial six months of

membership; they are fully qualified and experienced and will assist you to integrate into

our Flotilla and in achieving your goals. Your Sponsor will familiarize you with the Auxiliary

in general and with Flotilla 20-04 programs specifically. Your Mentor will assist you with

understanding the roles, functions and missions of the USCG Auxiliary and will help you get

the training and qualifications desired through workshops, scheduled classes or self-study of

any of the courses offered by the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard

Once enrolled as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, you will be entitled to

participate in many training opportunities to gain qualification as in:

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A. Boat Crew Qualification Program: In the Boat Crew Qualification Program, trainees

work with assigned mentors and other qualified boat crew members to learn all required tasks

and work toward qualification.

1. Auxiliary Boat Crew: Once qualified at this level, you may serve as a crewmember on

an Auxiliary vessel facility while on official Coast Guard orders.

2. Auxiliary Coxswain: Requires a higher degree of knowledge, skill, and experience. Once

qualified, you will be able to command an Auxiliary vessel facility while on official Coast Guard

orders.

B. Vessel Examination Program:

1. Vessel Examiner: Once qualified, you may conduct Vessel Safety Checks on recreational

vessels. This is a primary Search and Rescue prevention program of the Coast Guard and

Auxiliary.

2. Recreational Boating Safety Visitor Program: Once qualified, you will be able to visit

marine dealers to educate them on boating safety and gain their support for our boating

safety program.

C: Instructor: Once qualified, you will be allowed to teach in the Auxiliary’s public education

and member training programs. This program teaches you how to teach, not what to teach.

D. Radio Watchstander: Once qualified, you will be able to stand radio watches at Coast

Guard and Auxiliary operated installations.

E. Aids to Navigation Verifiers: Once qualified you will be able to verify the operation,

condition, and location of Aids used for navigation.

F. Advanced Training. Provides in-depth training that will improve your seamanship and

boating skills and may lead to the AUXOP qualification. The six specialty courses are:

1. Communications: This is a course on Auxiliary radio communications.

2. Advanced Coastal Navigation: This is an in-depth course in coastal navigation that

teaches much hands-on chart work as well as navigational theory.

3. Patrols: This course teaches management, supervision, and participation in the Auxiliary

Operational Patrol program.

4. Seamanship: This course teaches all phases of recreational boating seamanship.

5. Auxiliary Search Coordination and Execution specialty course: This course teaches

how the Coast Guard runs its Search and Rescue program as well as techniques on how to

perform search missions.

6. Weather: This course teaches the basics on types of weather, how to forecast weather,

and how to stay out of trouble due to changing weather conditions.

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What can you expect from the Auxiliary?

Training! Many courses are available at no cost to you. These courses prepare members to

actively support Auxiliary programs and initiatives. You will have the opportunity for

personal growth by learning new skills and participating in many activities to support and

assist the Coast Guard. The operations and educational activities that Auxiliarists perform

will give you a sense of pride and accomplishment all while helping others.

As an Auxiliarist, you enjoy certain honors and privileges. Among them are the wearing of

the Coast Guard Auxiliary uniform and proudly flying the Auxiliary’s “Blue Ensign”.

What the Auxiliary expects from you

As a member, you are expected to contribute your time and talents in furthering our

programs and initiatives. You individual service can be in one (or more) of several areas

that assist the Coast Guard in their many mission areas. An extensive (but not necessarily

complete) listing is shown on page 9. Let us know about your specific strengths and goals

and together we will figure out how you may best contribute.

You will be expected to conduct yourself in a professional manner while participating in

public service aimed at assisting the recreational boating public and the Coast Guard. Of

course, fellowship is an important Auxiliary function and your participation is encouraged.

Because we often interface with Coast Guard personnel, we are required to complete many

of the same Mandated Training Courses that they have to complete. This training is

available from a number of sources, including internet-based, self-study.

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You are a member in AP Status. What can you do?

First understand everything we do is governed by Federal law and the Commandant’s

Instructions for the Auxiliary. Auxiliarists in Approval Pending (AP) status still have huge

opportunities to train and qualify in virtually any program in the Auxiliary.

While we understand that you may be frustrated by AP status, you should know that there

are still a great many opportunities open to you – far, far more than those that may be closed or difficult.

New members:

Are issued Member Numbers and interim ID cards

Vote

Pay dues

Serve on committees

Take any and all Auxiliary courses

Take any and all end-of-course exams associated with these courses

New Members in AP Status:

May train and qualify in any program of the Auxiliary just as other Auxiliarists in IQ,

BQ, or AUXOP status EXCEPT FOR for coxswain, aviation certification, citizenship

verifier or fingerprint technician.

Until a new member receives a favorable security determination, aviation and boat

coxswain certification will be limited to interim certifications, which may be granted

by their DIRAUX

Until a new member receives a favorable security determination, elected and staff officer positions will require an interim waiver granted by their DIRAUX

It is important for you to be willing to roll up your sleeves and do some homework. Your

officers and flotilla shipmates should find mentors to assist you with your tasks. Be

proactive and work with them and familiarize yourself with the Auxiliary Manual. Being a

member of the United States Coast Guard team carries the responsibility of completing

required training and obtaining a favorable personal security investigation (PSI). This applies to every Auxiliary member from the newest to the National Commodore.

It is easy to take on too much at first; focus on being proficient in one program at a time.

When your favorable security determination comes through you will no longer be required to

team up with a fellow member who is already IQ, BQ or AX. You will be able to represent

the Coast Guard and Auxiliary on your own at boat ramps, public affairs events and so much

more. You will also be able to help mentor others in the wide variety of Auxiliary activities.

Further details and information are available in the on-line Auxiliary Manual at:

https://www.uscg.mil/Portals/0/OurOrganization/auxiliary/publications/AUXMAN.pdf?ver=20

17-07-02-093004-213. and in the Frequently-Asked-Questions (FAQ)

at: http://hdept.cgaux.org/pdf/AP-FAQ.PDF

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Every member is expected to participate in at least program area

The Auxiliary’s primary function is to assist the Coast Guard in its missions of serving the

public. As an Auxiliarist, you are expected to aid your flotilla in one (or more) of these

programs, such as:

Materials

–Uniforms

–Ordering publications

–Unit Inventory

Secretary

–Letter writing

–Note Taking

Public Affairs

–Speaker’s Bureau

–Written Articles

–Public Appearances

–Media Contacts

–Photo and Video

Finance

–Budget

–Bookkeeping

Publications

–Unit newsletter

–Writing

–Creativity

Information Systems

–Record Keeping

–Computer Work

Communications

–Webmaster

–E-mail

Human Resources

–Recruiting

–Mentor Program

–Uniform Procurement

–Involvement Activities

Photo Corps

–Photography for books, newsletters

Operations

–Crew—on-water patrols

–Coxswain—in charge of on-water patrols

-Scheduler

Fellowship

–Sunshine Club

–Official Greeter

–Dinners/Activities

Marine Environmental Protection

–Public Outreach & Sea Partners

–Harbor Pollution Patrols

–Spill Reconnaissance

–Licensing Administration

Navigation Systems

–Federal and Private Aids

–Bridge Inspections

Auxiliary Aviation

–Flight Standards /Training

–Facilities Liaison

–Flight Safety

–Air Patrols

–Air Transport

Coast Guard Support

–Communications Watch

–Administrative Support

–Crew on CG vessels

–Joint Public Appearance with CG

–Officer of the Day Duties

–Teaching/Mentoring

–Worklife Personnel Support

–Team Coordination Training

–Auxiliary Food Services

–Interpreter Corps

Advanced Training

–AUXOP courses

–National Schools

Public Education

–Teach Boating Safety courses

Water N’ Kids Safety Program

–Teach Advanced Boating Skills

Program Visitor

–Visit marinas & marine dealers

–Distribute boating safety materials

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Titles and duties of flotilla officers are dictated by the Auxiliary Manual.

Flotilla Commander (FC) - The highest elected Auxiliary leader within a flotilla. He/she is

elected by the members of a flotilla. The FC provides primary leadership and supervision

to the flotilla. He/she is responsible to assure that the overall Flotilla program conforms

to the Coast Guard and Auxiliary Policies and Procedures. Also recommends new

members for enrollment to the DIRAUX.

Flotilla Vice Commander (VFC) - The flotilla's Chief of Staff and assistant to the Flotilla

Commander. Also elected by the members of a Flotilla.

Flotilla Staff Officers (FSO) – They manage the flotilla's departments and programs;

appointed by the FC.

The list of flotilla staff officers, with their official abbreviations, is:

Auxiliary Scouting (AS)

Communications (CM)

Communication Services (CS)

Diversity (DV)

Finance (FN)

Food Service (FS)

Human Resources (HR)

Information and Communication Services (IS)

Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program (PV)

Marine Safety and Environmental Protection (MS)

Marketing and Public Affairs (PA)

Materials (MA)

Member Training (MT)

Navigation Systems (NS)

Operations (OP)

Public Education (PE)

Publications (PB)

Secretary/Records (SR)

Vessel Examination (VE)